After studying the plans and Peter Johnson's
superb website, I
have decided to borrow Peter's idea and use AN eyebolts for the elevator and
rudder hinges. BHP plans use a similar system but needs welding. Im not a
very accomplished welder...yet!

*UPDATE - After speaking with a LAME friend
he suggested I make the eye bolts central and use AN washers of similar metal,
to guard against corrosion, either side of the central eye bolt. Peter has
used the original idea on his with no troubles but having the washers will
add to the bearing service.*

I collected the Spruce for the Empenage from
Tom in Newcastle today - 18th July 2010.

*There is a discrepancy in the
measurements on the plan. If you build to the plan dimensions the rudder will
be slightly too long. I didnt see this till after I built the rudder but just
added the difference to the top of the vertical stabiliser.*

RUDDER

After clearing a space on my building bench,
I screwed a square strip of oak to the edge as a straight guide to build the
leading and trailing edges of the rudder. Rather than rebating one solid piece
of spruce, I glued two pieces together to achieve the same dimensions and
supposedly a stronger piece.

Rudder framed up! Its important to remember
to pack under the trailing edge of the rudder and NOT build it flat on the
board or it will come out deformed. Ready for glue. Have drilled the 1/4 inch
holes in the leading edge of the rudder for the AN Eyebolt hinges.

Rudder is now complete. I am really enjoying
using the T-88 Adhesive. It is easy to work with, can use it in all sorts
of temperatures and has a long working time so you dont have too rush. So
far all my glue samples have split through the wood and not the joint so all
good!

VERTICAL STABILISER

Vertical stabiliser all framed up and ready
to be glued. Before I glue I will drill the holes for the eye bolt hinges
as the trailing edge will be easier to hold when drilling.

Rudder & Vertical stabiliser temporarily
hinged together. Will gusset vert stab when I do the Elevators.

ELEVATORS

Framing up the Elevators. Will drill hinge
eyebolt holes before glueing.

HORIZONTAL STABILISER

As I did with the rest of the empennage, I
screwed a straight edge along the edge of the work bench. The leading and
trailing edges are two pieces glued together rather than routing the step
from a single piece.

The laying out of the Horizontal Stabiliser.
As can be seen in the third photo below, dont foget to pack under the leading
edge and centre beam so the surface is built symetrical. Just waiting for
the two end sections to be run through a thicknesser. Once that is done I
will drill the holes for the eyebolt hinge setup and glue everything.